Vegan Zucchini Oat Bars: The Light, Veggie-Packed Snack for Your Dog

I’m so happy to share this simple vegan dog treat recipe, because it uses gentle plant based ingredients that are easy to understand and easy to make at home. These zucchini oat bars are soft, lightly baked, and made with zucchini, oats, and applesauce that are commonly used in dog friendly recipes. The flax egg helps hold everything together without using a chicken egg, which keeps the recipe fully plant based. I like that these bars are homemade and avoid extra sugar, salt, and artificial additives. They are easy to slice into small pieces for dogs of different sizes.

When I first made these zucchini oat bars, I noticed how important it was to squeeze the water out of the zucchini. Once everything was mixed, the batter spread smoothly into the pan and baked evenly. My dog was curious the whole time and waited patiently while the bars cooled.

What makes this recipe special is how light and soft the bars are. They are not greasy or crumbly, which makes them easy to handle and easy for dogs to chew. I also like that the ingredients are simple and familiar, with nothing extra added.

Some key benefits:

• Simple plant based ingredients
• No added sugar, salt, onion, or garlic
• Easy to slice into different sizes
• Can be stored in the fridge or freezer

Every dog is different, so please talk to your vet about what is safe and appropriate for your dog, especially if your dog has allergies or health concerns.

How to Make Vegan Zucchini Oat Bars

• Preheat the oven and line a baking dish.
• Make the flax egg and let it thicken.
• Grate and squeeze the zucchini well.
• Mix all ingredients into a batter.
• Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
• Bake until set and lightly golden.
• Cool fully before slicing and serving.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water (to make one flax egg)
• 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium, excess moisture squeezed out, plain with no seasoning)
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (plain, no added sugar)
• ½ cup rolled oats (plain, no added sugar)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (no added sugar, xylitol free)
• ¼ cup unsweetened plant based milk (plain, no added sugar)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (optional, plain and unsweetened)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper so the bars are easy to remove.
2. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed meal with the water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens into a gel.
3. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much water as you can. This step helps the bars bake properly.
4. In a large bowl, add the zucchini, flax egg, applesauce, plant based milk, and melted coconut oil if using it. Stir until well mixed.
5. Add the oat flour and rolled oats to the bowl. Mix until a thick batter forms that can be spread easily.
6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the center feels set and the edges look lightly golden.
8. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Make sure they are fully cool before giving them to your dog.

Process Details

• The batter should be thick but spreadable. If it feels too wet, let it sit briefly so the oats absorb moisture.
• Squeezing the zucchini very well helps prevent soggy bars.
• Thicker bars may need a little more baking time than thinner ones.
• Parchment paper makes lifting and slicing the bars much easier.
• The bars are done when the center is set and not soft or wet to the touch.

Tips for Success

• Always check ingredient labels to be sure there is no xylitol, onion, garlic, or added sugar.
• Cut bars into smaller pieces for small dogs.
• These are treats, not meals, so offer them in moderation.
• If your dog is new to zucchini or oats, start with a small piece and watch for any tummy upset.
• Stick to the ingredients and amounts listed unless your vet says otherwise.
• Let the bars cool fully so they hold together and are safe to eat.

Serving Ideas

• Cut into small squares for training treats.
• Offer a piece as a reward after walks or playtime.
• Break into smaller bits for puzzle toys if the texture fits.
• Serve on special days like birthdays or Gotcha Days.
• Adjust portion size based on your dog’s size and daily food intake.

Storage & Freezing

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator before serving.
• Softer bars should be kept chilled to stay fresh longer.
• Throw away any bars that smell off, look moldy, or feel sticky or slimy.

These vegan zucchini oat bars are a simple and gentle way to make homemade treats for your dog using plant based ingredients you can trust. I enjoy knowing exactly what goes into each batch and sharing something homemade with my dog.

• Cut the bars into different shapes or sizes to fit your dog.
• Bake slightly longer for firmer bars if your dog prefers them less soft.
• Watch your dog closely the first time they try these treats.

Making treats at home is a small but meaningful way to care for your dog and strengthen the bond you share every day.